Is it time for a High Mileage Oil???

[THORROMIG]

My Ford Explorer in Signature has 134,294 miles on her as of last nite. I changed the oil last month & have alittle over 1000 miles on this oil change. I checked the dip stick yesterday & it was a half of quart low on it. I NEVER had to use any oil in between of OCIs before doing 5000 mile OCIs. Wondering if it is now time to step up to a High Mileage Motor Oil or should I move up a grade to 10W30 for the next OCI? I always have ran the recommended 5W30 with this Cologne motor. Any feedback would be appreciated!!!

 

[Garak]

If it were me, I'd just leave it, and run a couple more OCIs the way you are. Let's see if it stabilizes or it's a glitch, or what. Before I jumped immediately to a High Mileage oil, I'd change the PCV valve first, sight unseen, just to be sure, assuming that it's neither difficult nor expensive.

 

[OneEyeJack]

+1

 

[wemay]

I agree with Garak but will also say, many of today's High Mileage oils hold the same certifications and approvals as their non-High Mileage counterparts. If you want to use one to condition the seals prior to any issues creeping up, have at it. That's what their mktng says at least.

 

[bullwinkle]

With the problems the Ford 4.0 engines are known for, with their FOUR timing chains, I would be putting the best full synthetic oil in, like Mobil 1 High Mileage or better, and having it blessed regularly!

 

[BrocLuno]

Yeah, it's about time

Maxlife is a nice syn-blend (red bottle) and it's reasonably priced. Reason I suggest is to change the chemistry somewhat and see if it improves...

 

[zrxkawboy]

Did you use a different brand of oil this time?

 

[THORROMIG]

This is the 3rd consecutive run on the Smittys Super S Synthetic Blend 5W30.

 

[Panzerman]

Did you change brands of oil? I noticed vehicles sometimes use oil when you change brands. If you use a high mileage oil, it doesn't mean you have to keep using a high mileage oil. My F150. With 195,000 I used Max life in a few times and now I am back to just Valvoline conventional. It uses no oil between 4000 mile changes. The Lincoln gets whatever I have on hand. Sometimes it uses a half quart between changes, sometimes none. It gets 3000 mile changes due to teenage driver and alot of stop and go, short trips etc. Try the HM, it won't hurt anything.

 

[Shellguy]

I had a 2003 sport Trac with the 4.0 and its kinda funny....i switched to high mileage oil at 136000 right around the same mileage u have...it was in the family since it was new using just Valvoline conventional. Was just sold here within the last yr 200000 miles, never had to add any oil. Used defy...maxlife mostly. For what its worth it ran smoother on the high mileage ...

 

[901Memphis]

10w30 isn't moving up a grade... Try Mobil 1 0W40

 

[Branson304]

I'd recommend replacing the PCV valve then switching to Valvoline MaxLife SynBlend or MaxLife Full Syn. Do not use Mobil 1 High Mileage, it only meets API SL & your vehicle requires API SM or SN. If your vehicle burns any oil, an API SL rated oil could be harmful to your catalytic converters. MaxLife is your best bet, but check out the PCV valve first.

 

[Shellguy]

I also would replace pcv valve as mentioned...

 

[Hessam]

i would try a quality High Mileage oil like penziol platinum High Mileage... my local walmart just started carrying it and the price is right

 

[WellOiled]

Now would be a good time to check all the emissions related parts. The MAF sensor, PCV valve and the EGR valve. I have also focused on things that might cause piston tops to run hot. Cooling system and EGR.

I have a 2006 Ranger 4.0L V6 with 150k miles on it. It had a steady diet of Mobil 1 5w30 but some OCIs in 2014 through Sept 2015 were on the long side.

I discovered an FL-820-S that was torn. I have no idea how many filters actually tore. 6 months later after some engine cleanup, this Ranger is purring like a kitten on conventional oils. Consumption is about 1/2 qt per 4K miles.

Some basic maintenance items have been done: radiator flush, new thermostat, air cleaner, clean MAF sensor, etc. Most of the pinging I was observing is gone.

I think my next goto filter will include the WIX 51372.

I may start using full synthetics again to see if I can keep the engine cleaner for longer and minimize varnish deposits.

Good advice has already been proposed. Good luck.

PS: I looked again and the Cologne 4.0 engines were never re-specified for 5W20. Since they are of German descent, a thicker oil would be used by the Germans. As the engine wears, a higher viscosity oil would maintain oil pressure better. I am still using ford spec 5w30. If oil consumption gets much worse than 1 qt per 5000, I will likely go with a 10W40.

 

[mazdamonky]

I would keep running what you are running. It is possible, the Smitty's did some cleaning somewhere and it isn't really leaking or burning off, it is now just occupying space that wasn't properly occupied before. This is why I believe people see some initial oil disappearance when using synthetic for the first time.

Check your PCV valve. Most of them I have seen take 5 minutes to replace and cost $3.